The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-12-09

StIiouoil OpJtNb W tic repeal vi lne uuiy
on wool. The repeal that would work
great injustice TO many interests aud
would seriously discourage what we should
earnestly encourage, namely, the sheep
culture among farmers throughout the
Union. To break down wool growing and
be dependent on foreign countries for the
blanket under which we sleep, and the
coat that covers our backs, is not wise
policy for the national government to en-
force"
"Do you think il the Presidents recon-
mendation were adopted it would increase
our export trader"
Possibly in some few articles OF peculiar
construction, but it would increase other
import trade ten fold as much in the great
staple fabrics, in WOODEN and cotton goods,
in iron, in steel, in all the thousand and
one shapes in which they are wrought
How are we to export staple fabrics TO the
markets of Europe, and how are we TO
manufacture them cheaper than they do
in Europe, unless we get cheaper labor
than they have in Europe"
'"Then you think that the question OF
labor underlies the whole subject?'
"Of course it does, replied Mr.. Blaine.
at is, in fact, the entire question. When
workers and mechanics in every depart
ment TO work as cheaply and live as poorly
in the United States as similar workmen
in Europe, we can, OF course, manufacture
Just as cheaply as they do in England and
France. But am totally opposed to
policy that would entail such results. To
attempt it is equivalent to a social and
financial revolution, and that would bring
untold distress"
"Yes, but might not the great farming
class be benefited by importing articles
from Europe instead OF buying them at
higher prices at homer"
1.-THE moment" answered Mr.. Blaine,
''you begin TO import freely from Europe
you drive your own workmen from me-
chanical and manufacturing pursuits. In
the same proportion they become tillers of
the soil, increasing steadily the agricult-
ural product and decreasing steadily the
large home demand, which Is constantly
enlargiIg as home manufacturers enlarge.
That, of course, works great injury TO the
farmer Cutting the market with his prod
ucts and tending constantly to lower
prices"
"Yes, but the foreign demand for farm
products would be increased in like ratio,
would il not?'
"Even suppose itwcre, said Mr. Blaine;
NOW, doSou know the source from which
il will be supplied? The tendency in Rus
sin today and in the Asiatic possessions OF
England is toward large increase OF the
grain supply, the grain being raised by the
cheapest possible labor Manuiactur-
ing countries will buy their bread
stutls where they can get them
cheapest, and the enlarging Of the
home market for the American farmer
being checked, he would search in vain
for one Of the same value. His foreign
sales are already checked by the great com
petition abroad. There never was time
when the increase OF large home market
was so valuable TO him. The best proof is
that the farmers are prosperous in proper
ton 20 the nearncss OF manuiactur-
ing centers, and protective tariff
tends TO spread manufactures In
Ohio and Indiana, for example, though
not classcd rs manufacturing States, the
annual value Of fabrics is larger than the
annual value Of agricultural products"
"But those holding the Presidents
views" remarked the reporter, ''arc al
ways quoting the great prosperity OF the
country under the tariff OF 1916"
"That tariff did not involve the distinct
i've point recommended by the President,
namely: the retaining OF direct internal
taxes in order 10 abolish indirect taxes
levied ON foreign fabrics. But the country
had peculiar advantages under il by the
Crimcan war involving England, France
and Russia and largely impairing their
trade; these incidents, or accidents, were
immensely stimulating TO trade in the
United States, regardless OF the nature
Of our tariff. But mark the end Of this
European experience with the tariff Of
1916, which for time gave an illusory and
deceptive show OF prosperity. lis enact
ment was Immediately followed by the
Mexican war; then, in lsis, by the great
commissions Of Europe; then, In 1919 and
succeeding years, by the enormous gold
yield in California. The powers made
peace in 1856 and nj the same time the
output OF gold in California fell off. Inn
mediately the financial panic Of 1857
came upon the country with disas-
trous force. Though We had in these
years mined vast amount Of gold in
California every bank in New York was
compelled TO suspend specie payment.
Four hundred millions In gold had been
carried out Of the country in eight years 10
pay for foreign goods that should have
been manufactured at home, and we had
years OF depression and distrsscs ~ an
atonement for our folly. II Is remarkable
that President Polk recommended the
tariff OF 1916 ON precisely the same ground
that President Cleveland recommends a
similar enactment now, namely: the sur
plus in the treasury was menncing the
prosperity Of the country. History IA re-
pcating itself.
"By the way" Mr.. Blaine added, after
q moments reflection, ''it Is worth notice
that Mr.. Polk insisted on cmptying the
treasury by a free trade tariff, then immc-
diatcly rushed the country into debt by
borrowings $50, 900, 0OOfor the Mexican war.
| trust nothing may occur 10 repeat ~ dis
astrous u sequel 20 the policy recommend
ed by President Cleveland. But the uni
form fate has been for fifty years past that
the Democratic party, when II goes out Of
power, always leaves an empty treasury,
aud when Il returns TO power always finds
a full treasury
"Thcn do you mean 10 imply that there
should be no reduction OF the national
rcvcnue2'
ono, what I have said implies the re-
verse. I would reduce Il by prompt Nc.
peal OF the tobacco tax, and would make
here and there some changes In the tariil,
not TO reduce protection, but wisely foster
IT,"
"would you explain your meaning
fully?"
II mean" said Mr.. Blaine, that no
great system Of revenue like our tariff can
operate with efficiency and equity unless
the changes Of trade be closely watched
and the law promptly adapted to those